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Buccaneers name Jalon Daniels backup QB behind Baker Mayfield

9/1/2026

19 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers named rookie Jalon Daniels the backup quarterback behind Baker Mayfield on August 31, 2026.
The team cut veteran quarterbacks Jake Browning and Connor Bazelak and waived 31 other players.
The Buccaneers announced a 16-player practice squad, potentially adding international-exempt tackle Paul Rubelt as a 17th spot.
Head Coach Todd Bowles expects receivers Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan to be healthy for Week One.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the NFL introduced a hard salary cap of $34.6 million, forcing teams to trim rosters to 53 players. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, owned by Gaylord McCaffrey, applied that rule in 2025 by cutting 31 players, then in August 2026 promoted rookie Jalon Daniels as Baker Mayfield’s backup and expanded the practice squad to meet.

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Story summary

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers named rookie Jalon Daniels the backup quarterback behind Baker Mayfield on August 31, 2026.
The team cut veteran quarterbacks Jake Browning and Connor Bazelak and waived 31 other players.
The Buccaneers announced a 16-player practice squad, potentially adding international-exempt tackle Paul Rubelt as a 17th spot.
Head Coach Todd Bowles expects receivers Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan to be healthy for Week One.

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